Who will be the next Supreme Leader of Iran after Khamenei’s death? List of possible contenders and full story of power crisis

Tehran: The death of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has created a major crisis of power in the country. 86-year-old Khamenei was assassinated in joint attacks by America and Israel, after which the question is now being raised that who will become the next Supreme Leader of Iran? According to Iran’s constitution, there is no pre-determined successor, and the decision will be taken by the 88 senior Islamic scholars of the Assembly of Experts. These members are approved by the Guardian Council.

In the current situation, pressure from the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) and other powerful groups can also be decisive. Many analysts believe that an interim council (the President, Chief Justice and members of the Guardian Council) could assume power immediately, while choosing a permanent leader may take time.

Who can become the next Supreme Leader?

Here are the key names that have come up repeatedly in various reports, think tanks (such as the Council on Foreign Relations) and the media:

– Hojjat-ul-Eslam Mohsen Qomi

Khamenei’s closest advisor and longtime confidant who worked in his office. They are considered strong contenders to maintain the continuity of the system. In many reports he has been called a “trusted insider”.

– Ayatollah Mohsen Araki

Long-time member of the Assembly of Experts and with strong religious influence. He is quite influential in conservative circles and has institutional experience that puts him ahead.

– Ayatollah Alireza Arafi

Head of Iran’s madrassa system, with a key role in both the Guardian Council and the Assembly of Experts. Several reports describe him as one of the three names favored by Khamenei. His appointment will signal continuation of the existing clerical system.

– Ayatollah Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei

Current judiciary chief and former intelligence officer. Deep ties to the security apparatus and political elite make them stronger. In some reports, Khamenei had named him as a possible successor.

– Ayatollah Hashem Hosseini Bushehri

Imam of Friday Prayers of Qom and member of the Assembly of Experts. His religious reputation and popularity make him a contender, although his name is less discussed.

– Mojtaba Khamenei

Khamenei’s sons are affiliated with the IRGC, but ancestral succession is controversial and many reject it.

-Hassan Khomeini

Grandson of founding Ayatollah Khomeini, who is considered a centrist.

– Sadiq Larijani or Ali Larijani: Those with political influence, but less clerical role.

What will happen next?

The Assembly of Experts could meet quickly, but the process could become complicated amid wars and attacks. Some reports have raised the possibility of collective leadership or an interim council by the IRGC. This is the first time in Iran that the Supreme Leader has died at such a critical time, which may further increase regional instability. The situation is changing rapidly, and any final decision may take time.